30 Lions And Tigers Rescued From Former Argentina Zoo Begin Journey To Sanctuaries In The U.S. And South Africa
Photo Credit: FOUR PAWS
Thirty lions and tigers are leaving behind small concrete enclosures at the former Zoo Luján in Argentina as they begin an extraordinary journey to new sanctuary homes in the United States and South Africa.
Global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS has begun relocating the big cats following months of preparation.
Nine tigers and six lions are being transferred to FOUR PAWS’ LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa, while eight tigers and seven lions are headed to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado.
The relocation follows a comprehensive veterinary assessment conducted by FOUR PAWS in November 2025 involving more than 60 big cats and two bears at the former zoo.
Over the course of four days, the rescue team prepared the animals for transport. Some entered their transport crates voluntarily following specialized training, while others were safely sedated and moved under veterinary supervision. After receiving final clearance, the animals departed Buenos Aires aboard passenger and cargo flights.
Before the rescue, the lions and tigers had been living in small concrete enclosures at Zoo Luján, which was closed by Argentine authorities in 2020. At their new sanctuary homes, the animals will receive treatment for health conditions including dental disease, kidney problems, complications associated with declawing, and poorly healed injuries.
Family groups and lifelong companions are being kept together and will remain together at their new homes.
“Today marks a fantastic milestone for these lions and tigers and for animal welfare in Argentina. While we are proud of what we have achieved, our work is far from over. Our focus now is on securing sustainable, long-term solutions for the remaining big cats at the former Zoo Luján. And we keep working with the Argentine government to strengthen legal protections for big cats and prevent such suffering in the future,” said Luciana D’Abramo, Chief Programme Officer at FOUR PAWS.
Once settled at the sanctuaries, the animals will receive lifelong, species-appropriate care based on their individual behavioral and medical needs.
“Bringing 30 big cats out of Argentina has been far more than a simple relocation. It has been an enormous logistical undertaking, but seeing these animals begin their journey to a better future makes every effort worthwhile. After years of inadequate conditions, they finally have the chance to receive the specialised care and species-appropriate environment they deserve,” said Dr. Amir Khalil, who leads the emergency mission at the former Zoo Luján.
FOUR PAWS is continuing its work to secure sustainable, long-term solutions for the big cats remaining at the former zoo, while working with the Argentine government to strengthen legal protections for big cats.
World Animal News will continue to follow this rescue and provide updates as the animals settle into their new sanctuary homes.
